Richards, who had to be arrested after failing to appear in court, pleaded guilty to attempting to commit grievous bodily harm and stealing Mr Fitzpatrick's watch.

Etuhu has no previous convictions and was released on bail, while Richards was remanded into custody until sentencing on March 21.

Etuhu emerged through the Manchester City academy ranks before making his first senior appearance for the club in September 2007.

After a loan spell at Leicester City at the end of 2007/2008, he was loaned to Cardiff in August 2009. He returned to City for treatment for an ankle injury but was not included in Manchester City's Premier League squad for the 2010-11 season.